2026 Minnesota Fishing Opener
Governor Tim Walz celebrated the 78th Governor’s Fishing Opener this weekend, reeling in two Walleye and one White Bass alongside legislative leaders on the St. Croix River.
On Friday, Governor Walz participated in interviews with local and statewide press, joined the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner and fisheries staff for trout stocking at Browns Creek Nature Preserve, and joined Stillwater students at a youth fishing event highlighting conservation and water safety. The Governor also visited small businesses and attended a community celebration in Stillwater.
On Saturday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan joined the opening day launch ceremony before fishing on the St. Croix River with legislative leaders. Afterwards, they joined fellow anglers for a shore lunch. Photos from the event are available on Flickr.
“Minnesota has world-class fishing, and we don’t take that for granted – we’ve made major investments to enhance outdoor recreation by updating infrastructure, restoring our lakes and streams, and supporting outdoor education,” said Governor Walz. “During my final Governor’s Fishing Opener, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to uplift this work and celebrate our vibrant outdoor spaces and exceptional tourism industry. Thank you to the Stillwater community, Explore Minnesota, and the Minnesota DNR for keeping this time-honored tradition alive.”
“The Governor’s Fishing Opener is Minnesota’s best tradition – and not only because it falls on Mother’s Day Weekend,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Whether you’ve been fishing all your life or it’s your first time, Minnesota offers unparalleled opportunities to get outside, drop a line, and experience the beauty of our outdoor spaces. Good luck to everyone heading out to the water, and thank you to the Stillwater community, the businesses, educators, and leaders who made this weekend possible.”
“There is no better way to kick off Minnesota’s summer tourism season than right here on the St. Croix River,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota. “This weekend reminded us why people travel from across the country to experience what Minnesota has to offer – stunning natural beauty, incredible fishing, and communities that know how to welcome a crowd.”
Throughout this fishing opener weekend, it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying Stillwater, experiencing angling
The past eight years have been among the most consequential for Minnesota’s fisheries and angling opportunities. Minnesota is known as the top multi-species freshwater fishing destination thanks to its comprehensive approach to fisheries management, including fish protection, habitat restoration, and preservation.
Since 2019, the DNR has reconnected more than 580 miles of stream habitat and more than 66,780 feet of stream channel. In 2025, DNR fisheries updated the Lake Management Planning Guide into a modern, science-based, and socially informed framework for fisheries lake management. Minnesota also has the first comprehensive native fish conservation bill in the country, and, for the first time in 2026, Minnesotans enjoyed a year-round angling opportunity for Bass. Minnesota also has more Walleye lakes and Walleye anglers than any other state in the nation.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s $4.4 billion fishing industry, and in recent years, it has served as an iconic kick-off celebration for the summer tourism season. Travel and tourism have traditionally generated approximately $16 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually.
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